U of T’s Living Laboratory of Arts, Culture, and Recreation: Getting to Know Hart House!

Fact: Before 1972 only men were allowed to become members at Hart House.*

 
Well, thankfully times have changed.  Today Hart House is an artistic, cultural and recreational centre for both men and woman, and it’s arguably one of U of T’s finest features. Though most students know of it, few know the wide range of activities and services Hart House has to offer. Here are just a few awesome things to check out:

• The gym: More often than not, the Hart House gym is not given enough credit because it gets overshadowed by the Athletic Centre. Nonetheless, the Hart House facility is far from shabby. It offers a great workout environment which includes all the machinery you would find in any gym, as well as a track, a basketball court, and a pool. The change room area is nice and spacious. You’ll never need to worry about being not getting a locker or a shower. So grab your T-Card and your running shoes and go!
  • Cost: The gym fee is included in the U of T tuition fee.
• If you are looking to get in shape, there are also a number of free drop-in fitness classes available to U of T students, including Zumba! For those of you who have never done it before, Zumba is kind of a mix between aerobics and dancing. It involves music and movement, and it’s a great way to keep active and have fun. Give it a try Wednesdays from 8:10-9:00 PM and/or Fridays from 4:30-5:25 PM. Remember to wear comfy clothing.
  • Cost: free
• If the gym is not really your thing, you might like to swing by ThursTea, which takes place Thursdays from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Hart House Reading Room. Snuggle up with a book and a cup of warm tea in a place where you’re likely to meet other people with similar interests to yours.
  • Cost: free.
• If you’re feeling crafty, drop in on Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the Hart House Reading Room for Lunchtime Crafts. Each session offers instructions for a simple and easy craft, such as button making or paint chip banners. You can take these crafts home to decorate your stuff and your living space.
  • Cost: free
• Here’s a good one. If you’re stressed out, or just a little stiff from being chained to your computer, be sure to check out Hart House’s Massage Mondays, from 1-3 PM. Drop in, and you can sign up for a short, relaxing shiatsu session. The best part?
  • It’s also free.

The list of neat things to do at Hart House never ends, so do yourself a favour and take advantage of this great resource. Drop in and you’ll be sure to find something that interests you, whether it’s theatre, music, food, debate or art, it’s all there. There’s a reason it’s called “U of T’s living laboratory of arts, culture and recreation”.
For more info check out www.harthouse.ca.
 
*If you’re a history buff, check out the following article by Nancy McGregor, Patricia Wardrop, and Kenneth Winters:http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001560
It’s where I got my facts from, and it’s got some other neat information on the history of Hart House.